Trade deadline is 19 September — and a reminder on cards

Two things worth having straight early in the season: when rosters lock, and what cards actually cost you.

Trade deadline: Saturday 19 September

After that date there’s no changing between teams for the rest of the season. If a move needs to happen, sort it out this week.

There’s one exception: goalkeepers. A keeper can move between teams when a team needs one — nobody wants a game called off because there’s no one to go in net.

Cards, suspensions and fines

Yellow cards

• Two in one game means you’re off for the rest of that game — but no further suspension.
• Three across the season means a $20 fine, payable before your next game.

Red cards

• A red card carries a minimum one-game suspension and a $50 fine before you play again.
• A third red card ends your season.
• Playing while suspended hands the opposition an automatic 1–0 win — so it costs your team, not just you.
• Suspended players and coaches need to be out of the park, not on the sideline.

Violent or racist conduct means immediate ejection from the league. No warnings, no appeals process for that one.

On referees

The referee’s call is final and there’s no protest process. They’re doing a hard job for a rec league — give them a break.

The full rules are on the Rules page.